Small Community Grant Program (SCG)
This grant helps Maine municipalities replace failing septic systems to reduce water pollution and protect public health, prioritizing projects with the greatest environmental or health impacts.
Funder: Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Due Dates: July 6, 2026 (Complete application submission deadline for 2026 funding)
Funding Amounts: Grants cover 25%–100% of eligible design and construction costs per project, based on need and property type; no fixed maximum.
Summary: Supports Maine municipalities in replacing failing septic systems that cause water pollution or public nuisances, prioritizing projects with public health or environmental impacts.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted by municipalities, not individuals; funding is limited and prioritized by impact and need.
Description
This program provides financial assistance to Maine municipalities for the replacement of malfunctioning septic systems that are polluting waterbodies or creating public nuisances. The grant aims to improve environmental quality and protect public health by addressing documented pollution issues, with priority given to projects that affect public drinking water supplies, shellfishing areas, waterbodies, or create significant nuisance conditions. Funding is awarded as reimbursement to municipalities for eligible design and construction costs after project completion, with the grant percentage determined by the property owner’s income or, for commercial properties, gross profit.
